Incumbent Karen Keith defeats Josh Turley in Tulsa County Commissioner election

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Incumbent Karen Keith won re-election to the office of Tulsa County Commissioner for District No. 2 Tuesday, beating Republican challenger Dr. Josh Turley, again. The election was a rematch of 2016, and this time Keith got 54.56% of the 78,725 votes cast, compared to 56.96% last time.

According to her Tulsa County bio, Keith is a Muskogee native and Oklahoma State University graduate who built a successful career in broadcasting with 21 years at KJRH as an anchor, reporter, and executive producer. She also traveled the world producing documentaries, and hosted “Oklahoma Living.”

She entered politics in 2002 as the Director of Community Relations and Vision Implementation for Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune. She then worked for the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce as the Director of Partnership Development for the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau. Keith won her first election in 2008.

State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman loses re-election bid to Republican Cody Rogers

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State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was defeated by Republican challenger Cody Rogers in the Tuesday election for District 37. Rogers received 67% of the 33,737 votes cast.

Rogers billed himself as a conservative businessman and political outsider in the spirit of President Donald Trump throughout his campaign. According to his website, Rogers is the owner of a pavement construction company, and he is a proponent of reeling in excessive government regulations in order to stimulate private sector job growth.

He also vows to vote against any proposed regulations that prohibit or seek to limit gun ownership. He wants to make Oklahoma a top-ten state for education by investing in both K-12 and trade schools. He aims to lower prescription drug costs, and he opposes sanctuary cities.

Ikley-Freeman won her seat in a 2017 special election against former Jenks City Councilman Brian O’Hara with 50.3% of the vote, and has served the final two years of Dan Newberry’s unexpired term. That election had low turnout of less than 8,000 voters.

Jadine Nollan wins sixth term in Oklahoma Legislature

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Native Sandite Jadine Nollan won a sixth and final term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday. The Republican candidate defeated Democratic challenger Greg Laird in a two-way race with 65.1% of the 15,316 votes cast. The election saw the highest voter turnout in at least a decade.

Nollan previously served as Executive Director of Sand Springs Community Services and on the Sand Springs Board of Education before being elected to House District 66 in 2010.

Her first election was a close one, winning 50.6% of the vote. In 2012 she got 66.8%, she ran unopposed in 2014, then won 68.1% in 2016 and 58.5% in 2018.

From 2019 to 2020 Nollan served on the Children, Youth & Family Services Committee, the Health Services and Long-Term Care Committee, and chaired the Higher Education and Career Tech Committee.

Oklahomans are term-limited to twelve total years in the legislature, meaning she will not be able to run for House or Senate in the future.

2020 General Election is Tomorrow – State Election Board Offers Election Day Tips

The State Election Board says this is a unique election year for many reasons – the pandemic, a recent ice storm, and a surge in voter registration numbers.

State Election Board Secretary, Paul Ziriax, says Oklahoma county election boards are prepared.

“Our county election boards are facing challenges they’ve never experienced before, but they have been preparing for this election for months. We want to assure Oklahomans that every registered voter that wants to vote will be able to vote. This election will be conducted safely, fairly, and securely. We ask that voters be patient and courteous not only to other voters, but election workers as well,” Ziriax said.

The State Election Board offers these tips for successful voting in the 2020 General Election:

ELECTION DAY HOURS

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Lines at the polls are typically longest before work, during the lunch hour, and after work.

Heavy turnout is expected, so voters should plan for extra time to vote on Election Day. New COVID-19 safety protocols — including social distancing — may slow down the check-in lines and the voting process on Election Day. Additionally, in areas where municipal elections are taking place, issuing and voting these extra ballots could also add time to the voting process.

All voters in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

BE PREPARED

Voters are reminded to check the OK Voter Portal to verify their polling place before heading out to vote. A few polling places may have changed due to the COVID-19 emergency.

The State Election Board also recommends voters view a sample ballot using the OK Voter Portal. Many voters have county and local elections in addition to state and federal elections.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

The State Election Board worked with OU Health Sciences Center to develop safety protocols for all of Oklahoma’s polling places and county election boards, including social distancing procedures and disinfection requirements for voting equipment and surfaces. Poll workers at every location have been supplied with personal protective equipment (PPE) including hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, and disinfectant. 

Voters are asked to be patient and follow signage and procedures. Election officials strongly recommend that voters wear a mask or face covering to protect themselves and those around them.

Find more on COVID-19 and the 2020 elections on the State Election Board website.

PROOF OF IDENTITY

Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in person to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot.

There are three ways for voters to prove their identity under the law. (Only one proof of identity is required):

1. Show a valid photo ID issued by the federal, state, or tribal government. If it has an expiration date, it must be AFTER the date of the election; or

2. Show the free voter identification card issued to every voter by their County Election Board; or

3. Sign an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot. (If the information on the affidavit matches official voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after Election Day.)

FOLLOW THE LAW

The law prohibits electioneering within 300 ft. of the ballot box. This includes wearing clothing, accessories, or having material in public view related to a candidate or issue on the ballot. No one other than authorized individuals are permitted within 50 ft. of the ballot box or inside the election enclosure.

Alleged violations should be reported to precinct officials at the time the incident is occurring.

Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.

URL Guide:

OK Voter Portal: https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html

COVID-19 and the 2020 Elections:

https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Covid-19_and_2020_Elections.html

Proof of Identity: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Proof_of_Identity/index.html

State Election Board Website: https://www.ok.gov/elections/index.html

County Election Boards: https://www.ok.gov/elections/About_Us/County_Election_Boards/index.html

State Election Board Encourages Participation on National Voter Registration Day - Sept. 22

Today is National Voter Registration Day and the Oklahoma State Election Board is supporting the effort by encouraging citizens across the state to register to vote. The State Election Board reminds Oklahomans that the deadline to register or make changes to their registration for the November 3 General Election is quickly approaching.

New applicants can fill out a registration form using the OK Voter Portal “wizard.” Applications must be printed, signed, and mailed or hand-delivered to the Election Board to complete the process. Voter Registration Applications are also available at your County Election Board or can be downloaded from the State Election Board website.

Current voters are strongly encouraged to verify their registration online through the OK Voter Portal to make sure it is up-to-date for the November 3 election. Address changes can be made online provided you have not moved to a new county. If you have moved to a new county, you will need to complete a new Voter Registration Application. Party affiliation changes can also be made online.

To register to vote in Oklahoma:

• You must be 18 years old on or before an election in which you are eligible to vote. (You may pre-register to vote if you are 17 ½ years old, but you must be 18 to vote.)

• You must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of Oklahoma.

• You must affirm that you have not been convicted of a felony or if you have been convicted, you have fully served your sentence of court-mandated calendar days, including any term of incarceration, parole or supervision, or completed a period of probation ordered by any court.

• You must affirm that you are not under judgment as an incapacitated person.

Applications for new registrations and updates must be postmarked or submitted by October 9.

National Voter Registration Day was first celebrated in 2012 and is held the fourth Tuesday each September.

Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board for more information.

Drawing conducted for party order on Oklahoma ballots

(Oklahoma City) – Republican Party candidates will appear first on Oklahoma’s November General Election ballots following the results of a public drawing held Thursday, Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced. Libertarian Party candidates will be listed second, followed by Democratic Party candidates.

State law requires the State Election Board secretary to conduct a drawing every two years to determine the order of political parties on the ballot. Representatives of the three political parties observed the drawing at the State Election Board’s meeting room at the Jim Thorpe Building in Oklahoma City. The drawing was also livestreamed on the State Election Board’s Facebook page.

Drawings were also held to determine the order of Independent candidates for President of the United States and United States Senator.

For more information about elections in Oklahoma, visit the State Election Board’s website at https://www.ok.gov/elections/.

State Question 802 passes, Jadine Nollan and Josh Turley win primaries

Nearly 700,000 Oklahoma voters turned out Tuesday to vote in the statewide primaries, and to vote on a State Question for Medicaid expansion. State Question No. 802 narrowly passed with 339,747 votes (50.48%) in favor and 333,311 (49.52%) against.

Republican incumbent Todd Hiett handily won his party’s nomination for Corporation Commissioner with 74.58% of the vote, defeating Harold D. Spradling. Hiett, 52, is a Kellyville native and career politician, serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1995 till 2007. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for Lieutenant Governor in 2006, but won the Corporation Commissioner race in 2014. In November he will face Libertarian candidate Todd Hagopian of Bixby.

Republican incumbent Jim Inhofe won a landslide victory for the United States Senator nomination with 74.05% of the vote in a four-man field. Inhofe, 85, has held the office since 1994, and previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as Mayor of Tulsa. Abby Broyles, 31, won a four-way race for the Democratic Party nomination for United State Senator. Broyles is an attorney and former broadcast journalist. Broyles and Inhofe will take on Libertarian Robert Murphy and Independents Joan Farr and A.D. Nesbit in November.

Kojo Asamoa-Caesar, 34, won the Democratic nomination for Congressional District No. 1, defeating Mark A. Keeter with 63.63% of the vote. Asamoa-Caesar is a former kindergarten teacher, elementary school principal, and interim director of 36 Degrees North. He will take on Republican incumbent Kevin Hern, 58, and Independent candidate Evelyn L. Rogers, 67, in November.

Republican incumbent Markwayne Mullin, 42, easily held off two primary challengers in the race for Congressional District No. 2. He earned 79.91% of the vote to defeat Joseph Silk (12.7%) and Rhonda Hopkins (7.39%). The Muskogee resident was a rancher and businessman before running for office in 2012.

During his first campaign Mullin promised to only serve for three terms, but announced in 2017 that he would run for a fourth term after all, and is now pursuing his fifth. He will take on Democrat Danyell Lanier and Libertarian Richie Castaldo in November.

Republican incumbent Tom Cole, 71, of Norman, won a landslide race for Congressional District No. 4. He earned 76.34% of the vote to defeat James Taylor (15.18%), Trevor Sipes (5.97%), and Gilbert O. Sanders (2.51%). The former college professor has been a career politician since 1988 and assumed his current office in 2002.

Mary Brannon, 68, won a three-way race for the Democratic nomination for Congressional District No. 4. She received 63.85% of the vote to defeat David R. Slemmons (19.42%) and John D. Argo (16.73%). The retired teacher and school counselor previously won the Democratic nomination in 2018 and received 33.0% of the vote against Tom Cole. Brannon and Cole will take on Libertarian Bob White in November.

Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District saw a field of nine Republicans seeking nomination. Terry Neese, 72, and Stephanie Bice, 46, both of Oklahoma City, will advance to a runoff in August. Neese, an entrepreneur, received 36.49% of the vote and Bice, a State Sentor, received 25.41%. Democratic incumbent Kendra Horn, 44, defeated party challenger Tom Guild in a landslide with 85.69% of the vote.

Cody Rogers won the Republican nomination for State Senate District No. 37 with 50.88% of the vote against Chris Emerson. Rogers, 32, owns a Tulsa paving company. He will take on incumbent Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman in November.

Republican incumbent Jadine Nollan handily won the nomination for House District 66 against challenger Emily DeLozier. Nollan, 61, received 69.12% of the vote and will take on Tulsa Democrat Greg Laird in November.

Tulsa County Court Clerk incumbent Don Newberry won a landslide race in the Republican primary with 75.2% of the vote against Ron Phillips. Newberry, 53, will earn a second term without an additional election as no non-Republican candidates filed.

Dr. Josh Turley won the Republican nomination for Tulsa County Commissioner District No. 2 against Eddy Barclay with 58.04% of the vote. Turley, 47, works for the Tulsa County Sheriffs Office and will take on Democratic incumbent Karen Keith in November.

Other Results:

• State Senate District No. 1 - Republican: Michael Bergstrom 4980 (64.68%), James Fuser 2720 (35.32%).

• State Senate District No. 3 - Republican: Blake Cowboy Stephens 4410 (60.43%), Wayne Shaw 2888 (39.57%).

• State Senate District No. 5 - Republican: George H. Burns 2343 (38.28%), Justin Jackson 2071 (33.84%), Jimmy Westbrook 1706 (27.88%).

• State Senate District No. 5 - Democrat: Randy Coleman 3893 (76.6%), Bevon Rogers 1189 (23.4%).

• State Senate District No. 7 - Republican: Larry Boggs 3348 (46.42%), Warren Hamilton 3045 (42.22%), Kevin Woody 819 (11.36%).

• State Senate District No. 7 - Democrat: Jerry L. Donathan 5125 (64.73%), Cathy Zukosky Thornton 2792 (35.27%).

• State Senate District No. 13 - Republican: Greg McCortney 5146 (74.5%), Carisa Roberson 1761 (25.5%).

• State Senate District No. 15 - Democrat: Alex Scott 5070 (61.71%), Matt Hecox 3218 (38.83%).

• State Senate District No. 17 - Republican: Shane David Jett 4577 (44.18%), Ron Sharp 3453 (33.33%), Brandon Baumgarten 2331 (22.5%).

• State Senate District No. 19 - Republican: Roland Pederson 6680 (54.44%), David M. Mason 5591 (45.56%).

• State Senate District No. 28 - Republican: Zack Taylor 5679 (59.32%), Mike Haines 3197 (33.39%), Christian Ford 698 (7.29%).

• State Senate District No. 35 - Republican: Kyden Creekpaum 3348 (43.8%), Cheryl Baber 2600 (34.02%), Linda Morrissey 1695 (22.18%).

• State Senate District No. 35 - Democrat: Jo Anna Dossett 4981 (57.2%), Carly Hotvedt 2688 (30.87%), Stan Allen Young 1039 (11.93%).

• State Senate District No. 43 - Republican: Paul Scott 5683 (49.9%), Jessica Garvin (39.25%), Kaity Keith 1235 (10.84%).

• State Representative District No. 1 - Republican: Eddy Dempsey 1784 (60.31%), Eric Ensley 1174 (39.69%).

• State Representative District No. 3 - Republican: Rick West 1852 (53.96%), Lundy Kiger 1580 (46.04%).

• State Representative District No. 11 - Republican: Wendi Stearman 3096 (55.49%), Derrel Fincher 2483 (44.51%).

• State Representative District No. 12 - Republican: Kevin McDugle 2514 (52.94%), Justin Dine 2235 (47.06%).

• State Representative District No. 14 - Republican: Chris Sneed 1952 (60.32%), George Faught 1284 (39.68%).

• State Representative District No. 15 - Republican: Randy Randleman 2587 (73.27%), Angie Brinlee 944 (26.73%).

• State Representative District No. 17 - Republican: Jim Grego 2100 (61.87%), Shannon Rowell 1294 (38.13%).

• State Representative District No. 18 - Republican: David Smith 1733 (61.56%), Brenda Angel 659 (23.41%), Brecken Wagner 423 (15.03%).

• State Representative District No. 20 - Republican: Sherrie Conley 2748 (56.95%), Steve Herburger 2077 (43.05%).

• State Representative District No. 24 - Republican: Logan J. Phillips 1401 (52.89%), John Andy Baca 533 (20.12%), Sam Stampler 418 (15.78%), Elijah Harelson 297 (11.21%).

• State Representative District No. 25 - Republican: Ronny Johns 2035 (68.24%), Gary Rhynes 947 (31.76%).

• State Representative District No. 28 - Republican: Danny Williams 1845 (54.6%), Jerri Parker 1534 (45.4%).

• State Representative District No. 30 - Republican: Mark Lawson 3243 (76.13%), Jake Rowland 686 (16.1%), Kate Stromlund 331 (7.77%).

• State Representative District No. 31 - Republican: Garry Mize 4090 (66.78%), Karmin Grider 2035 (33.22%).

• State Representative District No. 33 - Republican: John Talley 2455 (53.92%), Brice Nathaniel Chaffin 2098 (46.08%).

• State Representative District No. 40 - Republican: Chad Caldwell 2412 (56.62%), Taylor Venus 1848 (43.38%).

• State Representative District No. 42 - Republican: Cynthia Cindy Roe 2921 (61.46%), Nicole Stevens 1818 (38.36%).

• State Representative District No. 52 - Republican: Gerrid Kendrix 2319 (64.13%), Scot Simco 1297 (35.87%).

• State Representative District No. 56 - Republican: Dick Lowe 1803 (53.49%), Randy Talley 1568 (46.51%).

• State Representative District No. 59 - Republican: Mike Dobrinski 4376 (71.73%), Adam N. Masters 1725 (28.27%).

• State Representative District No. 61 - Republican: Kenton Patzkowsky 2943 (55.77%), Kenny Bob Tapp 2334 (44.23%).

• State Representative District No. 62 - Republican: Daniel Pae 1243 (74.61%), Robert Johns 423 (25.39%).

• State Representative District No. 69 - Republican: Sheila Dills 3594 (61.8%), Angela Strohm 2222 (38.2%).

• State Representative District No. 70 - Republican: Carol M. Bush 3329 (68.08%), Taylor Woodrum 1561 (31.92%).

• State Representative District No. 71 - Republican: Mike Masters 1301 (48.87%), Beverly A. Atteberry 1184 (44.48%), David Matthew Hullum 177 (6.65%).

• State Representative District No. 72 - Democrat: Monroe Nichols 1653 (68.96%), Maria Veliz Barnes 744 (31.04%).

• State Representative District No. 74 - Republican: Mark Vancuren 4009 (85.39%), Brad Peixotto 686 (14.61%).

• State Representative District No. 79 - Republican: Clay Iiams 1491 (46.45%), Margie Alfonso 924 (28.79%), Maria Mercedes Seidler 795 (24.77%).

• State Representative District No. 83 - Republican: Eric Roberts 3580 (80.32%), Robert McMaster 877 (19.68%).

• State Representative District No. 88 - Democrat: Mauree Turner 3036 (52.15%), Jason Dunnington 2786 (47.85%).

• State Representative District No. 89 - Democrat: Jose Cruz 699 (74.36%), Chris Bryant 123 (13.09%), Cristian Zapata 118 (12.55).

• State Representative District No. 91 - Republican: Chris Kannady 3802 (79.61%), Bruce Fleming 974 (20.39%).

• State Representative District No. 94 - Republican: Lauren Rodebush 1201 (58.27%), Franklin Paul Cromack 860 (41.73%).

• State Representative District No. 95 - Republican: Max Wolfley 1370 (56.96%), Daren Ward 1035 (43.04%).

• State Representative District No. 96 - Republican: Preston Stinson 2343 (35.44%), Margaret Best 2057 (31.11%), Ken Warner 1843 (27.88%), Chris DeCloud 368 (5.57%).

• State Representative District No. 99 - Democrat: Ajay Pittman 2833 (51.95%), Susan Porter 2620 (48.05%).

• State Representative District No. 100 - Republican: Marlyn Stark 2363 (59.1%), Cobi J. Ceron 1635 (40.9%).

Election Day is tomorrow, here's what you need to know

Oklahomans will take to the polls Tuesday for the statewide primaries. The state’s approximately 2000 polling places will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The State Election Board has worked with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center to develop safety protocols for all polling places and county election boards. Poll workers at every location have been supplied with personal protective equipment including hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, and disinfectant.

Voters are asked to be patient and follow signage and procedures. While it is not required, the State Election Board strongly recommends that voters wear a mask to protect themselves and those around them.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some polling places may have changed. Voters are strongly encouraged to verify their voting location before heading the polls. Lines at the polls are typically longest before work, during the lunch hour, and after work.

Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in person to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot. Voters may provide a valid photo ID issued by the federal, state, or tribal government, or the free voter identification card issued to every voter by their County Election Board. They may also sign an affidavit and vote with a provisional ballot.

Oklahoma has closed primaries, however the Democratic Party has elected to open its elections to Independents. Republicans and Libertarian primaries remain closed.

All voters will get to cast a ballot on State Question No. 802. Here is the full text of the measure:

Medicaid is a government-sponsored health insurance program for qualifying low-income persons. This measure would add a provision to the Oklahoma Constitution requiring the State to expand Medicaid coverage. The expanded coverage would include certain persons over 18 and under 65 who are not already covered and whose annual income, as calculated under federal law, is at or below 133% of the federal poverty line. The federal poverty line changes annually, but for example if this measure were in effect in 2019, the measure generally would have covered a single adult making less than $17,236 annually and adults in a family of four making less than $35,535 annually. Under this measure, the State cannot create additional restrictions that make it more difficult to qualify for expanded Medicaid coverage than it is to qualify for the Medicaid program currently in place. The Medicaid program is funded jointly by the federal government and the State. This measure would require the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) to try to maximize federal funding for Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma. If the measure is approved, OHCA has 90 days to submit all documents necessary to obtain federal approval for implementing Medicaid expansion by July 1, 2021. SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED?

Republicans in Sand Springs will vote for their candidate for the following offices:

For Corporation Commissioner: Harold D. Spradling vs. Todd Hiett.
For United States Senator: Neil Mavis vs. Jim Inhofe vs. John Tompkins vs. JJ Stitt.
For State Senator District 37: Chris Emerson vs. Cody Rogers.
For State Representative District 66: Emily Delozier vs. Jadine Nollan.
For County Court Clerk: Don Newberry vs. Ron Phillips.
For County Commissioner District No. 2: Eddy Barclay vs. Josh Turley.

Democrats in Sand Springs will vote for their candidate for the following offices:

For United States Senator: Elysabeth Britt vs. Abby Broyles vs. Sheila Bilyeu vs. R.O. Joe Cassity, Jr.
For United State Representative District No. 1: Mark A. Keeter vs. Kojo Asamoa-Casesar.

ODOT reminds candidates that campaign signs don’t belong along highways

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Candidates are reminded that it is illegal to place signs inside state rights-of-way, which includes the area along highways or on bridges. In this photo from 2018, ODOT maintenance workers pause mowing operations to remove a large campaign sign from along the highway.

As the 2020 election season shifts into high gear approaching the summer, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is reminding political candidates and volunteers to not jeopardize safety and to do their part in saving taxpayer money and keeping Oklahoma’s highways and interstates free of unsightly litter.

Placing yard signs to help promote candidates may be a long-standing tradition in Oklahoma politics, but the areas along highways or on bridges are off-limits. State law actually prohibits such signs from being placed in state rights-of-way due to safety concerns. In addition to potentially blocking drivers’ views at intersections or ramps, illegal sign placement endangers volunteers who try to post them along high-speed roadways or on bridges. Generally, the public right-of-way includes the area of grass between a highway and the nearest fence.

The best strategy for safe and legal politicking is for candidates to place signs on private property with the landowner’s permission. Inside city limits, candidates should check local ordinances for questions regarding municipal streets and rights-of-way. However, even within city limits, signs are prohibited on state-maintained highways, overpasses and bridges.

When signs are illegally placed, ODOT crews spend time away from other highway maintenance operations to pull them out of the ground, which can be time-consuming and hazardous. Removal of litter, including illegal signs, also delays highway mowing since the signs and posts could potentially damage state equipment.

Each year, nearly $6 million is spent by the department to pick up trash along Oklahoma highways, including illegally placed signs. This money comes out of ODOT’s maintenance budget, the same source of funds for patching potholes, repairing guardrail, mowing and clearing snow and ice. This expense is in addition to the untold amounts of time and money volunteer groups and local governments spend removing litter.

Absentee Deadline Approaches; Early Voting Scheduled for Primary Election

(Oklahoma City) – Voters have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, to request a mail absentee ballot for the June 30 Primary Election, State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said today.

Voters can apply for absentee ballots online using the OK Voter Portal at https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html. Applications can also be downloaded from the State Election Board Website at https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Absentee_Voting/index.html and mailed to the voter’s County Election Board. A directory of County Election Boards is available at https://www.ok.gov/elections/About_Us/County_Election_Boards/index.html.

Voted absentee ballots must be received by the county election boards no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day, June 30.

In-person absentee voting, or “early voting,” begins Thursday, June 25. “Early voting” will be available at all 77 county election boards across the state and at additional locations in some counties. A list of additional “early voting” sites is available on the State Election Board website at elections.ok.gov. Early voting will be available Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Primary Election allows voters to select nominees for various federal, state, and county offices for November’s General Election. In primary races with more than two candidates where no one receives a majority of the votes, runoffs will be held August 25.

Also on the ballot is State Question 802 (SQ 802), which would expand Medicaid coverage for some Oklahomans. You will find ballot language for SQ 802 at https://www.ok.gov/elections/Election_Info/State_Question_info.html. Additionally, many elections postponed from April due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be on the ballot, as well.

Oklahoma has closed primaries; however, recognized parties may open up their primaries to Independent voters by notifying the Secretary of the State Election Board. For the 2020 and 2021 election years, the Democratic Party has elected to open its primaries to Independents. The Republican and Libertarian parties have chosen to keep their primaries closed.

Voters can view a sample ballot or track their absentee ballot using the OK Voter Portal at https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html.

State Election Board: Oklahoma Financial Institutions to Offer Free Absentee Voting Services

(Oklahoma City) – The Secretary of the Oklahoma State Election Board joined representatives of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, Oklahoma Credit Union Association, and Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma today to announce that financial institutions across the state plan to offer free absentee voting services to all Oklahoma voters.

Participating banks and credit unions will offer one or more of the following services to voters:   

• Free ID copy (lobby and/or drive-thru)

• Free absentee ballot notarization (lobby and/or drive-thru)

Voters can find a list of participating banks and credit unions at elections.ok.gov. Services and hours may vary by location.

“Banks and credit unions are in almost every community in Oklahoma. They’re our neighbors and community partners and they realize the importance of democracy. That’s why we’re excited to work with these financial institutions to ensure that every voter—both customers and non-customers alike—have free and convenient absentee services available to them,” said Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board.

Craig Buford, President and CEO of the Community Bankers Association agrees.

“The Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma is proud of the hard work and diligence of the Oklahoma Legislature and the Oklahoma Election Board to streamline the absentee ballot process while maintaining its integrity. Community Financial Institutions are not just the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy, but leaders in their communities. This partnership was a natural fit as we all work together to protect one of our most cherished rights, the right to vote.”

“Community banks across Oklahoma are excited for the opportunity to make absentee voting easier for all Oklahomans,” said Adrian Beverage, Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President for Government Relations for the Oklahoma Bankers.

According to Nate Webb, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Credit Union Association, “Voting is one of the greatest privileges we enjoy as Americans. Oklahoma credit unions are pleased to help our fellow Oklahomans participate in the process.”

While participation by banks and credit unions is voluntary, associationfficers said they have had a positive response of support from financial institutions across the state.

Voters can apply for absentee ballots online using the OK Voter Portal at elections.ok.gov/OVP.html. Applications can also be downloaded from the State Election Board website at elections.ok.gov.

The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is Tuesday (5 p.m.) before Election Day. Absentee ballots must be received no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information about absentee voting in Oklahoma, visit our website at elections.ok.gov. Voters with specific questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.

Friday marks voter registration deadline for statewide primary

(Oklahoma City) – The deadline to register to vote or update your voter registration for Oklahoma’s Primary election is Friday, June 5.

The State Election Board’s new voter registration “wizard” makes it easier than ever to complete a Voter Registration Application. State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said the “wizard” is designed to simplify the registration process. Applicants who use the "wizard" will also receive a transaction code they can use to check the status of the application with their County Election Board.

“The new voter registration wizard allows you to complete your application online, then print, sign and mail the application to your County Election Board. By using the State Election Board’s website to fill out your application, you can be certain your personal information is safe and secure,” Ziriax said.

Voters can access the voter registration “wizard” through the OK Voter Portal.

In addition to the voter registration wizard, applicants can download a Voter Registration Application from the State Election Board's website. Current voters can update their voter registration address online using the OK Voter Portal, if the new address is in the same county. Voters can also get a paper voter registration application from their county election board or at a voter registration agency, such as a tag agency.

Voter registration applications must be received by the Election Board or postmarked no later than Friday, June 5.

Visit the State Election Board website at elections.ok.gov for more information.

The Oklahoma Primary Election is Tuesday, June 30.

State and Federal Candidate Filings, Nollan and Ikley-Freeman draw challengers

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State Representative Jadine Nollan.

Oklahoma held its statewide filing period recently for state and federal legislative offices.

United States Senator Jim Inhofe, has filed for reelection and drawn ten opponents. In the Republican Primary he will face JJ Stitt, John Tompkins, and Neil Mavis. Sheila Bilyeau, Abby Broyles, Elysabeth Britt, and R.O. Joe Cassity, Jr. are running for the Democratic nomination. Joan Farr and A.D. Nesbit have filed as independents, and Robert Murphy has filed unopposed for the Libertarian nomination.

Kevin Hern, the U.S. Representative from Congressional District 1, filed unopposed in the Republican Party. Kojo Asamoa-Caesar and Mark A. Keeter have filed for the Democratic nomination and Evelyn L. Rogers filed as an independent.

Incumbent Republican Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett has drawn a primary challenger in Harold D. Spradling. The winner of that nomination will take on Libertarian Todd Hagopian.

Incumbent District 37 State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman did not draw a Democratic primary challenger, but will face off against a Republican in November. Cody Rogers and Chris Emerson filed for the Republican election.

Incumbent District 66 State Representative Jadine Nollan drew a challenge from Emily DeLozier in the Republican Primary. The winner will face off against the lone Democrat, Greg Laird.

Oklahoma's Statewide Candidate Filing Begins April 8

(Oklahoma City) – Oklahoma’s 2020 candidate filing period for federal, state, and legislative offices will occur as scheduled, Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced today. The three-day filing period runs 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 9, and 10.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Secretary is encouraging candidates for federal, state, and legislative offices to file their paperwork, along with the required filing fee or petition, by mail or delivery service.

Candidates who file in-person will do so using a “drive-through” in the State Capitol parking lot. The “drive-through” will help maintain social distancing protocols in an effort to minimize risks to Election Board personnel and candidates.

Secretary Ziriax said State Election Board personnel can review declarations of candidacy and cashier’s checks or certified checks ahead of time to ensure they are in good order. Candidates who would like their information reviewed prior to filing can email documents to info@elections.ok.gov.

Candidates should visit the State Election Board’s website at elections.ok.gov for specific details about candidate filing, such as delivery instructions or information about the “drive-through” filing procedures. Candidates can also contact the State Election Board for details at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.

“This is not an ideal situation for either election officials or candidates. But, with a little patience and a lot of precautions, we will get through the candidate filing period together,” Ziriax said.

Candidate filing for county offices will also be held April 8, 9, and 10 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Candidates should contact their County Election Board for specific filing instructions.

Oklahoma selects Trump, Biden in primaries, Tulsa County approves Sunday liquor sales

Incumbent Republican President Donald Trump overwhelmingly won Oklahoma’s Republican Party primary election on Super Tuesday, receiving 92.6% of the vote in a field of six candidates. Joe Walsh, who had already dropped out of the race prior to Tuesday, came in second with 3.7%, followed by Matthew Matern with 1.3%.

Former Vice President Joe Biden won the Oklahoma Democratic Party’s delegates with 38.7% of the vote in a fourteen candidate field. Senator Bernie Sanders received 25.4% of the vote, followed by Senator Elizabeth Warren with 13.4%. Sanders previously won the Oklahoma election in 2016.

295,409 votes were cast in the Republican primary. 303,977 votes were cast in the Democratic primary, which was also open to Independents. No Libertarian candidates filed in Oklahoma. More than 32,000 Oklahomans voted for candidates who had already dropped out of the race.

A Tulsa County proposition to allow Sunday liquor sales was overwhelmingly approved, with 73.3% of voters in support. 106,590 voters responded to the question. Liquor stores in Tulsa County will be allowed to operate as soon as this coming Sunday.

Presidential Primary and Tulsa County Question on Sunday liquor sales scheduled for Tuesday

Oklahoma voters will take to the polls Tuesday, March 3rd between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to decide the state’s nominees for the 2020 presidential election. In addition to Republican and Democratic primaries, there will also be a Tulsa County proposition to legalize the retail sale of alcohol on Sundays.

Republican voters will choose between incumbent President Donald J. Trump, entrepreneur Bob Ely, attorney Matthew John Matern, former U.S. Representative Joe Walsh, journalist Zoltan G. Istvan, and businessman Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente.

President Trump is the clear front-runner, having already secured wins in five different states. Walsh withdrew his candidacy, but will remain on the ballot. Former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld, who is currently Trump’s closest competitor with 8% of the popular votes to date, is not on the Oklahoma ballot.

Fourteen candidates made the Democratic ballot, and the Oklahoma Democratic Party is holding an open primary, meaning independent voters can also vote. Candidates include former Vice President Joe Biden, hedge fund manager Tom Steyer, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, author Marianne Williamson, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro, entrepreneur Andrew Yang, and U.S. Senator Cory Booker have withdrawn their candidacy, but remain on the ballot.

Sanders is currently leading the Democratic popular vote with 31.1% , followed by Buttigieg with 25.4% and Klobuchar with 16.6%. In estimated delegate count Sanders leads with 45, followed by Buttigieg with 25, and Biden with 15.

None of the Libertarian Party candidates filed for the Oklahoma election.

City Councilman Mike Burdge win re-election in Ward 3

Sand Springs City Councilman Mike Burdge won re-election to the Ward 3 Council position Tuesday in a close 42-32 vote against challenger Justin Sean Tockey.

Burdge, 68, has been in office since 1996, including 13 years as Mayor and 6 years as Vice Mayor. He is also the Cross Country Head Coach at Charles Page High School

Sand Springs uses a Council-Manager form of government, with seven volunteer Council members who hire a City Manager to run day-to-day operations of the City. Council members receive no compensation. There are six wards in Sand Springs, each with their own Council member, and there is a seventh member who is elected from the city at-large.

Council members are elected to three-year terms, and they elect Mayor and Vice Mayor from within. Mayor and Vice Mayor are largely ceremonial positions in the Sand Springs government, and each is a one-year appointment. Council meets one to two times per month to vote on permits, resolutions, budgets, policy changes, and other decisions recommended by City staff and advisory boards.

Burdge will be sworn in alongside Ward 4 Councilwoman Nancy Riley, who filed for re-election unopposed. Riley ran for Council in 2017 but was defeated by Christine Hamner. Hamner resigned last year after moving out of her district, and Riley was appointed by Council in August to fill the vacancy. An election was not held due to the shortness of the remaining term. She will now begin a full three-year term after not receiving any challengers.

Three Council positions will go up for re-election in 2021, including Ward 5 (Beau Wilson), Ward 6 (Brian Jackson), and At-Large (Mayor Jim Spoon). Ward 1 (Phil Nollan) and Ward 2 (Vice Mayor Patty Dixon) will hold office until 2022.

Letter to Sand Springs from City Council candidate Justin Sean Tockey

Residents of Ward 3 in Sand Springs will get the opportunity to vote for City Councilman Tuesday, February 11th. City Council is an unpaid position. Current Councilman Mike Burdge, 68, has been in office since 1996, including 13 years as Mayor and 6 years as Vice Mayor. His challenger is Justin Sean Tockey, 39. Both candidates have been invited to address their constituents directly. The following is a letter to our readers from Mr. Tockey.

“Hello Sandites!  I want to thank you for the opportunity to campaign for and, if elected, serve as a Sand Springs City Councilor.  I understand that this is an important decision for our town so I wanted to provide everyone with some background info on me, my values, and the vision I believe we can achieve to make Sand Springs the #1 place to live in Oklahoma.

Our family arrived in Sand Springs in 1959 where my Dad and Grandpa owned and operated Moon’s Paint and Body Shop on Charles Page Blvd.  My brothers and I attended Sand Springs public schools and I graduated from CPHS, class of ‘98. During senior year, it was my pleasure to serve as the varsity team mascot, the Minuteman, and help the Sandites go undefeated all the way to the semi-finals.  

After high school, I attended Tulsa Community College until September 11th, 2001 when I decided to join the U.S. Navy to help combat terrorism abroad.  Over the next 12 years, I met the most amazing person ever, Sarah Trzynka, and we ended up getting married and having two kids, Samantha and Gabriel. In 2013, I was forced to choose between another deployment or to separate from the Navy and spend more time with my family.  It wasn’t an easy choice and there was no wrong answer but I chose family.

When deciding where to live after the service, I couldn’t think of a better place, in all my travels, to raise our kids than in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.  The challenge was to somehow convince Sarah that my hometown was better than Wahiawa, Hawaii, where we were living at the time. It was a tough sell but because she’s from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, we both understand the tremendous value of midwest family culture and affordable cost-of-living!

We moved back to Sand Springs in 2014 where I lucked into a career in the financial industry and am happily serving as a Financial Planner for the Oklahoma Methodist Foundation.  Sarah was able to keep her clients from Hawaii and works as Landscape Designer from our home office. Our kids attend school in Sand Springs, including our third child, Archer, who graced us with his arrival last year.

I’ve watched this town grow for nearly 40 years and am very thankful to have the chance to continue our family’s roots here.  Sand Springs isn’t without its problems but the benefits far outweigh the costs and I intend to work hard to keep it that way.  With the help of our other amazing volunteers in the City Council, I want to see our schools flourish, our businesses boom, and every soul to be warm, safe, and fed.  That’s the legacy that Charles Page left for us and I’m excited to be able to carry that torch.

Please cast your vote for Justin Sean Tockey as your Sand Springs City Councilor, Ward 3, on February 11th.  For voter registration info or to check your polling place, visit:  

https://okvoterportal.okelections.us “